Product classification

HS code for Graphic paper: 4802.69

Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803), over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded).

Classification of graphic paper under HS 4802.69

Graphic paper is classified under HS code 4802.69, which falls within Chapter 48 of the Harmonized System, covering paper and paperboard. This specific subheading is designated for uncoated paper and paperboard used for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes. To qualify for this code, the paper must contain more than 10% by weight of fibers obtained by a mechanical or chemi-mechanical process. The classification is strictly based on the physical and chemical properties of the paper, specifically its fiber composition and the absence of surface coatings like kaolin or calcium carbonate. Furthermore, 4802.69 acts as a residual category for products that do not meet the specific size requirements for rolls or sheets defined in subheadings 4802.61 and 4802.62, which typically cover larger formats. The technical distinction between mechanical and chemical pulp is critical here, as mechanical pulp retains more lignin, affecting the paper's opacity and aging characteristics, which are defining traits for products in this category.

Covers
  • Uncoated magazine paper
  • Directory paper
  • Catalog paper
  • Uncoated mechanical printing paper
  • Bulk book paper with high mechanical fiber content
  • Advertising circular paper
Also under 4802.69
  • UPM Newsprint
  • Stora Enso Magazine Paper
  • SCA Kraftliner
  • Resolute Forest Products Newsprint

Codes often confused with 4802.69

Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 4801.00, which is reserved specifically for newsprint. While both contain mechanical fibers, newsprint must meet specific weight and finish standards. Another common error is using 4802.5x subheadings, which are only for paper containing 10% or less mechanical fiber. Additionally, if the paper is coated, it must be moved to heading 4810, regardless of the fiber content.

4801.00Newsprint; made of fibres obtained essentially by a chemi-mechanical process or of a weight, per m2, of more than 57g but not more than 65g, in rolls or sheets48.02Uncoated paper and paperboard, used for writing, printing or other graphics, non perforated punch-cards and punch tape paper, in rolls or rectangular sheets, of any size, other than paper of heading 4801 or 4803; hand-made paper and paperboard48.10Paper and paperboard, coated one or both sides with kaolin (china clay) or inorganic substances, with binder or not, no other coating, surface coloured or not, surface decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size

Top exporters and importers of HS 480269 (the code used for graphic paper), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 480269 (the code used for graphic paper) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Pakistan, with 9.4% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 480269, not only graphic paper.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $124M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $64M
  3. 3 Sweden $50M

World total: $394M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Pakistan $36M
  2. 2 Germany $32M
  3. 3 Indonesia $20M

World total: $387M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

How these figures are built

109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).

Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.

Brazil NCM codes for graphic paper

Brazil splits HS 4802.69 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 4802.69.10Paper over 10% mech. fibre, max 15 cm/360 mm
  • 4802.69.91Paper max 57 g/m², min 65% mech. wood, other sizes
  • 4802.69.92Kraft paper over 10% mech. fibre, other sizes
  • 4802.69.99Other paper over 10% mech. fibre, other sizes

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.

Questions about graphic paper

What is the HS code for Graphic paper?

The HS code for Graphic paper is 480269 (Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded)). The HS code for graphic paper containing more than 10% mechanical fiber in non-standard sizes is 4802.69.

How do I classify Graphic paper for customs?

Graphic paper is classified under HS code 480269 — Uncoated paper and paperboard (not 4801 or 4803); over 10% by weight of mechanical or chemi-mechanical processed fibre, other than rolls, other than sheets 435mm or less by 297mm or less (unfolded). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How does 4802.69 differ from 4810?

Heading 4802 is for uncoated paper, whereas heading 4810 is strictly for paper that has been coated with inorganic substances like clay or calcium carbonate on one or both sides.

Which countries are the top exporters of graphic paper (HS 480269)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 480269 (the code used for graphic paper) in UN Comtrade data were China ($124M, 32% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($64M) and Sweden ($50M). World exports came to about $394M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Which countries are the top importers of graphic paper (HS 480269)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 480269 (the code used for graphic paper) in UN Comtrade data were Pakistan ($36M, 9.4% of world imports), Germany ($32M) and Indonesia ($20M). World imports came to about $387M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

Is the HS code for Graphic paper the same in all countries?

The base HS code 480269 for Graphic paper is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for graphic paper in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 480269 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for graphic paper depends on the product's details: 4802.69.10 (Paper over 10% mech. fibre, max 15 cm/360 mm), 4802.69.91 (Paper max 57 g/m², min 65% mech. wood, other sizes), 4802.69.92 (Kraft paper over 10% mech. fibre, other sizes), 4802.69.99 (Other paper over 10% mech. fibre, other sizes).